AD 98-09-04 Airworthiness Directives; Aerospatiale Model ATR72 Series Airplanes

Models named: ATR72 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model ATR72 series airplanes on which Aerospatiale Modification 2879 or Modification 2628 has not been incorporated, certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent reduced structural integrity of the airplane due to fatigue cracking in the lower fuselage structure, accomplish the following: (a) Prior to the accumulation of 17,500 total flight cycles, or within 500 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this AD, perform a one-time high frequency eddy current inspection to detect fatigue cracking around the fastener holes in the lower fuselage structure in the area of the side brace fitting near frame 25 on the left-and right-hand sides, and modify crack-free fastener holes, as required by paragraph (a)(1) and/or (a)(2) of this AD, as applicable. (1) For airplanes on which Aerospatiale Modification 2879 has not been installed: Perform the inspection and modification in accordance with Aerospatiale Service Bulletin ATR72-53-1022, Revision 2, dated February 20, 1995. (2) For airplanes on which Aerospatiale Modification 2628 has not been installed: Perform the inspection and modifications in accordance with Aerospatiale Service Bulletins ATR72-53-1034, Revision 1, and ATR72-53-1053, Revision 1, both dated March 28, 1995. (b) If any crack or oversize hole is found during the accomplishment of paragraph (a) of this AD, and if any service bulletin listed in paragraph (a) of this AD specifies to contact the manufacturer for an appropriate corrective action: Prior to further flight, repair the discrepancy in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. (c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116. Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116. (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. (e) The actions shall be done in accordance with the following Aerospatiale service bulletins, which contain the following list of effective pages: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Service bulletin referenced Revision level and date Page number shown on page shown on page Date shown on page ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ATR72-53-1034, Revision 1, March 1, 7, 9, 11-17, 20, 21, 23-25, 1.............. March 28, 1995. 28, 1995. 29, 30. 2-6, 8, 10, 18, 19, 22, 26-28.... Original....... November 4, 1994. ATR72-53-1022, Revision 2, 1, 11, 12, 16.................... 2.............. February 20, 1995. February 20, 1995. 2................................ 1.............. November 10, 1994. 3-10, 13-15, 17-24............... Original....... July 29, 1994. ATR72-53-1053, Revision 1, March 1, 6-8, 16, 19................... 1.............. March 28, 1995. 28, 1995. 2-5, 9-15, 17, 18, 20............ Original....... November 7, 1994. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Aerospatiale, 316 Route de Bayonne, 31060 Toulouse, Cedex 03, France. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in French airworthiness directive 94-191-022(B), dated August 17, 1994. (f) This amendment becomes effective on May 29, 1998. Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 15, 1998. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-10478 Filed 4-23-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P